Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I had the pleasure of visiting Cappoquin a number of times in the last few months to review the funding there from the rural regeneration and development fund, RRDF, which is progressing very well. I thank the Minister for that and also thank her for the recent grant of funding to Ardmore.

Does the Department of Rural and Community Development have any oversight of rural supports for the Gaeltacht areas? I am reviewing replies to parliamentary questions that I received and they show that the Waterford Gaeltacht received only €6,900 from a €38 million disbursal over four years, and also just €60,000 from a €14.7 million disbursal over six years. I ask that the Department take over the development of the rural Gaeltachtaí because it appears the Department with responsibility for the Gaeltacht does not know that Baile na Déise exists.

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